Redskins Scouting Report

November 16, 1997|By WARNER HESSLER Daily Press

QUARTERBACKS

Dallas has problems scoring, not moving the ball. Troy Aikman still has the smarts and the arm to win a lot of games, but he's taking a beating. Aikman isn't one of Dallas' problems. Washington's Gus Frerotte has stopped trying to be a hero and isn't throwing interceptions. He's still hit-and-miss, but he's protecting the ball. Advantage: Cowboys.

RUNNING BACKS

Emmitt Smith of the Cowboys is far from washed up. He's getting the yards and remains capable of dominating. Once-great Herschel Walker has replaced injured Daryl Johnston at fullback and is dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield. The return of Terry Allen and the emergence of young FB Larry Bowie are carrying Washington. Advantage: Redskins.

RECEIVERS

Michael Irvin's numbers are down in Dallas because of the pass rush. Anthony Miller hasn't removed some of the double-team coverage. Walker has become a major threat, mostly as a runner after the catch. If the Redskins' Michael Westbrook remains healthy, steady veteran Leslie Shepherd won't have to carry the load. Advantage: Redskins.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Right guard Larry Allen has been a tower of strength on a once-dominant Dallas line that is slipping. LT Erik Williams and LG Nate Newton have been sub-par, and C Clay Shiver is in over his head. The Redskins, recovering from injuries are becoming a good running and pass-protecting team again. Advantage: Redskins.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Cowboys are thin, but pass-rushing ends Tony Tolbert and Shante Carver put on a lot of heat. The middle is stronger with the return of T Chad Hennings. The signing of tackle Chris Zorich has strengthened the Redskins' interior, and rookie LE Kenard Lang is as good as advertised. But the pass rush is still lacking. Advantage: Cowboys.

You could go to the Super Bowl with either unit. Deion Sanders and Kevin Smith are strong man-to-man corners in Dallas, and Brock Marion and Darren Woodson are outstanding safeties. Washington can match at the corners with Cris Dishman and Darrell Green. There's a slight, but only slight, dropoff at the safeties. Advantage: Cowboys.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Cowboys may have the best in the league. They are getting a lot of performance from punter Toby Gowin and kicker Richie Cunningham, and there's not a better returning duo than Sanders (punts) and Walker (kickoffs). Coverage is good. The Redskins can reply with returner Brian Mitchell and punter Matt Turk, but coverage is spotty. Advantage: Cowboys.

OVERVIEW

The Cowboys are in trouble, on the field and on the sidelines, where coach Barry Switzer is history after this season. Can Aikman, Smith and Irvin gear it up for one last hurrah? Redskins coach Norv Turner usually finds a way to run and pass on his old team. His challenge will be stopping Smith. Dallas is 4-0 at home this season. Advantage: Cowboys.